Posted by
Anh Tran on Tue, Jul 17, 2012 @ 01:47 PM
Today the Boston area is supposed to hit around 100 degrees F. Do you know how to prevent heat stroke in your pets? Are your regular activities putting your pet at risk?
We asked VESCONE's Veterinarians to give us some tips on how to prevent heat stroke and a trip to see us in the emergency room.
- Never leave your pet in a closed car even with the windows open. Car temps can go over 120 degrees and literally cook your pet from the inside out.
- Do not exercise your pet in hot humid weather when outdoor temps are above 75.
- Make sure your pet has cool water at all times.
- Ensure there is good ventilation indoors where your pet is inside. A hot, closed in room or carrier can also cause a pet to overheat.
- Keep certain breeds indoors: Dogs that have heart disease, respiratory disease such as feline asthma or are brachycephalic or short nosed breeds like a bulldog, pug, Pekinese, or Shi-Tzu.
- You can cool your pet down with a tepid water hose on his body, alcohol on his feet and ears, or towels soaked in water draped over him while on route to a veterinary hospital.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387.
We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Apr 11, 2012 @ 01:53 PM
With the holidays over, please make sure that your delicious leftover chocolate is beyond your pet's reach. Amy Breton, CVT, VTS (ECC) and emergency nurse extraordinaire, explains what happens when your pet ingests chocolate.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Caffeine is also present in most types of chocolate and can also be a toxic component, but in much smaller amounts than theobromine.
Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body:
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Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant
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Cardiovascular stimulant (elevated heart rate)
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Increase blood pressure (mild)
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
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Pancreatitis (can occur days later)
Generally the pet can be seen panting, vomiting, shaking, running around and not settling down. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, a single bite of baker's chocolate can be deadly for pets. Conversely the pet would need more than a bite of white chocolate in order for it to produce a toxic effect. This is why when your pet gets into chocolate it's important to know what kinds and how much.
As soon as your pet ingests chocolate you should contact a pet poison control number to find out if the amount and kind is toxic for them. One of the best pet poison controls centers is ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Thu, Apr 05, 2012 @ 09:51 AM
With Easter coming up this weekend, your house is probably full of flowers, easter baskets and chocolate! While these are fun and delicious for humans, they can be potentially dangerous for your pets.
We asked one of our emergency veterinarians, Dr. Amy Goldstein, to give us some tips on how to keep your pet safe during the holiday and for the rest of the Spring season.
Lilies
Lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts of lilies can be lethal. Lily of the valley can affect the heart as well.
Easter Grass
Just like string, dental floss, and tinsel, Easter Grass can cause vomiting and an intestinal obstruction. This is a surgical emergency.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a xanthine compound which is in the same family as caffeine and theophylline- and is toxic to dogs and cats. At low doses chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. At higher doses it can cause a high heart rate, an irregular heart rhythm and seizures.
Fertilizers and Pesticides
N-P-K fertilizers (containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium salts) can cause mild gastro-intestinal upset, and also skin irritation on the paws. Fertilizers containing greater than 1% iron can cause iron toxicity if ingested by a dog.
Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos
Fleas can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and they can transmit tapeworms. Ticks can transmit many diseases such as Lyme disease. Mosquitos can transmit heartworm to cats and dogs, which can be fatal. All dogs and cats should receive topical monthly flea and tick prevention. It is very important to read product labels very carefully on all flea and tick medications as the misuse of such medications, particularly over the counter varieties, can lead to acute toxicity in pets. It is important never to use a dog product on your cat, or vice versa. The ingredient “permethrin” found in some dog medications, while perfectly safe for dogs can be lethal to cats even in very small doses.
Insect Bites
Dogs can also have severe allergic reactions to insect bites this time of year. Common symptoms are a swollen face and hives. If left untreated, the inflammatory response can cause severe illness and respiratory distress.
Fishing Hooks and Lines
It is important to keep all fishing hooks away from your pet. They can get stuck in your pet’s mouth or paws. Fishing lines can cause an obstruction in your pet’s intestines.
Leashes
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash when they are outside. Make sure all leashes and collars fit appropriately for your animal, and are not too worn from usage. Keeping your dog on a leash can prevent them from being hit by a car or getting bit by another dog. Bite wounds are common emergencies; make sure to always keep your pets rabies vaccinations up to date.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 03:37 PM
Dr. Leslie Shatkin, one of VESCONE's Emergency and Critical Care veterinarians, shares her tips on keeping your pet safe and happy this winter.
Antifreeze
Keep antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol away from pets on high shelves and in locked cabinets. Always thoroughly clean up spills or puddles that may accumulate in the garage or driveway. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste and it is extremely toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Try to purchase antifreeze that contains propylene glycol instead. If you are suspicious your pet has consumed any ethylene glycol take them to veterinarian immediately.
Ice melting products
Always check your pet’s paws and belly when coming inside as they can get ice, rock salt or ice melting products stuck in between their toes and pads. Ice melting products can be very irritating to the skin and can cause serious injury if licked or ingested.
Winter weather
Pets are susceptible to the cold just like us. Ideally keep them indoors during storms or weather below freezing. If they are kept outside ensure they have a warm, dry environment with a heated bowl to prevent their water from freezing. Provide them shelter with lots of thick bedding.
Frostbite
Cats and dogs can get frost bite. Watch for red, grey or whitish areas on pet’s nose, ears and feet. Do not leave dogs unattended in the car during winter months as the car can become even colder than the outside. Also make sure your pet is dry when coming inside.
Heat sources
Pets love space heaters and will likely sleep next to them. Make sure they do not get so close that their tails or other parts of their body get burned. Do not leave heaters unattended as they may get knocked over causing a fire risk. Do not use heating pads as these can cause serious injury. Purchase pet safety heating products that do not burn the skin. Hot water bottles wrapped in a towel are also a good alternative.
Elderly or arthritic pets
Older pets with stiff joints can have a hard time in the winter. Make sure they have lots of soft bedding and help them on slippery surfaces to avoid falls. If you feel your pet is uncomfortable talk to your vet about medications that may help.
Ice
Do not let your dog off leash on frozen lakes or ponds as there is serious risk of the drowning or hypothermia.
Cats
Cats are just as at risk of hypothermia, frost bite and other winter-related problems as dogs. They are especially resourceful and will crawl into small warm spaces such as car engines. If they become caught in moving engine parts they can be seriously injury or killed so always check your car before starting it.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, Please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.